Highway Code cracked - more than 40 rules changed

Following a sustained and high-profile campaign by CTC in 2007, over 40 rules of the revised Highway Code were changed to the benefit of cyclists. CTC had feared that the proposed wording would have undermined cyclists' right to use the road where cycle facilities were provided.

New Highway Code

The changes made to the Highway Code vary from the mundane to the fundamental. There are many new rules for cyclists on the use of crossings and for taking care around tramways. Others offer advice on whether cyclists should use cycle facilities.

New rules 61 and 63 were those that aroused the greatest ire amongst cyclists. A discussion of how these rules and how they changed can be found here.

Some of the most useful rules, other than 61 and 63, are paraphrased below:

Rule 167 (old 143) - overtaking... Now includes "stay behind if you are following a cyclist approaching a roundabout or junction, and you intend to turn left."

Rule 181 (old 157) - "look out for cyclists when turning right in a junction."

Rule 211 (old 187) - "When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when turning, and when changing direction or lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully" has been added.